How to use reusable period pads

Non Binary person sitting wearing a teal wool jumper and dark blue trousers

IF YOU’RE NEW TO REUSABLE PERIOD PADS, YOU PROBABLY HAVE PLENTY OF QUESTIONS! WE’VE COLLECTED YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SO YOU CAN FIND ALL THE ANSWERS IN ONE PLACE.

Starting out with reusable period pads can be daunting, but we’re here to demystify the world of washable period pads by answering common first-time user questions.

WHICH WAY ROUND DOES MY REUSABLE PERIOD PAD GO?

Your pad can be worn either way round, the NORA tab can go either at the back or the front facing down.

DOES THE PATTERNED SIDE FACE UP OR DOWN?

The patterned side of your cloth sanitary pad faces down and the honeycomb side face upward. The patterned side is the waterproof part that prevents leaks. Simply snap the poppers closed on the underside of your pants.

MY PADS ARE SLIPPING IN MY PANTS. HOW DO I STOP THIS?

This is usually due to wearing boxer-briefs, french knickers, or pants with a small crotch. Wearing a classic pair of briefs should solve all your problems.

WILL PEOPLE BE ABLE TO TELL I’M WEARING A REUSABLE PAD?

Our fabric period pads are slimline and contoured to the body — just like conventional disposable pads. You can squat in the tightest gym leggings without anyone knowing what’s in your pants. 

HOW DO I WASH REUSABLE SANITARY PADS?

Just give them a rinse in cold water after use, store them in our period pad bag, then wash them at 30 degrees with non-bio powder and no fabric softener. Remember, wash them within 48 hours of use and don’t let them dry out (that’s the secret to stain-prevention!).

CAN I WASH MY PADS WITH OTHER THINGS?

Yep, that’s no problem! Just wash whites with whites and colours with colours.

HOW LONG CAN YOU WEAR A REUSABLE PAD?

We recommend changing your pad every 4 to 6 hours, but feel free to change more often if you’re new to cloth and a bit nervous or have a very heavy flow. 

HOW DO I CHANGE MY PAD WHEN I’M OUT OF THE HOUSE? 

We’ve got the perfect solution for that! Say hello to our Period Pad Bag. This bag looks just like a makeup bag and has a section for used pads as well as a section to keep a clean one in ready for you to change.

HOW LONG DO REUSABLE PADS LAST FOR? 

NORA period pads can be washed and reused over and over again, for up to 10 years! How great is that?!

FIND YOUR PERFECT NORA PERIOD PAD

Now that we’ve answered some of your questions…we have one final question for you: Are you ready to rock reusables? We hope so!

Test the waters with one of our Reusable Try Me packs, complete with 4 sizes of reusable pads and a period pad bag.